BDNF and major depressive disorder: A 2022 randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 93 adults with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder (MDD) reported that a 4-week 16:8 IF protocol reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) scores by −4.8 ± 1.3 points versus −1.9 ± 1.1 in an isocaloric three-meal control, accompanied by increased serum BDNF and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [43].